Yakima Regional's cardiac rehab program gets certified

YAKIMA -- Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center has received national certification for its cardiac rehabilitation program.

The certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation comes about two years after Regional re-opened the program. The hospital had cut it in 2005 citing costs concerns.

Cardiac rehab is for patients who have had or are at risk for serious cardiac events. Specialists in exercise, preventative health, diet, behavioral psychology and other professions work together to help patients live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Regional also offers free classes in smoking cessation, stress management, diabetes  education and cardiac anatomy. 

-- Leah Beth Ward